Jessica Strawser returns following The Next Thing You Know (5 stars) with her sixth novel, THE LAST CARETAKER —Richly atmospheric, a beautifully written, emotional, suspenseful, mysterious, compelling, powerful tale of domestic violence, courage, and survival with strong women and an essential takeaway message.A woman wants to start over and accepts a resident caretaker position in the wilderness at a remote nature reserve. However, her new home is anything but quiet when she discovers it is a safe house for victims of domestic violence and a way to escape. The mystery is what happened to the last caretaker.Katie, a web designer from Pittsburg, is divorced from Clark and is ready for a new start. She puts her faith in her long-time friend, Bess, who offers her a way to leave her past behind.The position is a resident caretaking job at Grove Farm Nature Reserve on 927 acres. Bess is the programming director at the nature center's main campus. The position comes with a furnished cabin, and she is grateful to be the 'new Katie,' leaving the 'old Katie' behind.Katie accepted without seeing the area since it was out of state. She is not a nature buff; however, she is sure to adapt. She wants to be grateful, and Bess pulled strings for her.However, when she arrives, it is more remote than she expected. She also feels something is off. It looks like someone lives in the cabin/farmhouse. There are personal items left. Pictures and later discovers a journal. What happened to the last caretaker? Did she go in a hurry? No one seems to have answers.When a frantic, terrified woman arrives late at night, expecting a safe place to hide, it becomes apparent her position of caretaking involves more than she imagined. What has she gotten herself into?Katie soon realizes her home is a hidden safehouse for domestic violence victims on the run. She was not prepared for this. She did not sign up for this. She must reach Grace, the last caretaker.What about her protection? She has no idea who might show up on her doorstep. She does not know whom to trust. What if she lets in the wrong person, who may be dangerous? These women's lives are at stake.Oh, how I loved THE LAST CARETAKER! I have been an avid fan of the author for many years and enjoyed her books.Inspired by accounts of real courageous women, Katie learns she has strength that she did not know she possessed. A rewarding and brave group of women who seek refuge and a safe haven. Pushed to the breaking point to risk and choose safety to help others.Almost like an underground railroad, the story is mysterious and comes with emotion and heart-pounding suspense. A true page-turner! Thought-provoking and compelling, the novel explores how you can help before it is too late.I adored the significance of the black-eyed Susan flowers on the front cover and how they fit into the novel with this group of women. Black-eyed Susan flowers are Sun worshipers that forgive neglect and are tough-as-nails. Much like these women. Stunning!THE LAST CARETAKER is timely, relevant, absorbing, and empowering! The author's passion shines through on the pages with her lyrical prose and her experience with domestic violence.I enjoyed Kati's character, the risk, the unknown, and the courage. New beginnings! Told with compassion and sensitivity, this is a must-read book! Ideal for gift-giving and a perfect book club pick (discussion questions included)!#JDCMustReadBooks